Scarlet Town

Buddy, I went down to Scarlet Town, ain't never been there before
Where you slept on a feather bed, Islept on the floor
I don't mind a lean old time or drinking my coffee cold
But the things I seen in Scarlet Town did mortify my soul

I look at that deep well
Look at that dark grave
Ringing that iron bell
In Scarlet Town today

I spent some time in New Orleans and in Cairo on a bend
But Scarlet Town brought me down low as I ever been

I look at that deep well
Look at that dark grave
Ringing that iron bell
In Scarlet Town today

On the day I came to Scarlet Town, you promised I'd be your bride
But you left me here to rot away like Polly on the mountainside

I look at that deep well
Look at that dark ray
Ringing that iron bell
In Scarlet Town today

Now you may hide in Scarlet Town for a hundred years or more
But the man who knows what time it is is knocking at the door

So fare you well, my own true love
If you never see me around
I'll be looking through a telescope from hell to Scarlet Town

I look at that deep well
Look at that dark ray
Ringing that iron bell
In Scarlet Town today